WASHINGTON — Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell called Thursday a day of vindication and thanksgiving.
McDonnell released a lengthy statement, obtained by WTOP, following the announcement that federal prosecutors would drop the corruption charges against him and his wife Maureen.
“Today is a great day in which my family and I rejoice,” the statement reads.
“I would never do, nor consider doing anything that would violate the trust of the citizens of Virginia I served during 22 years in state elected office. These wrongful convictions were based on a false narrative and incorrect law.”
McDonnell and his wife admitted to accepting loans, designer dresses, a Rolex watch and trips from Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams, but McDonnell maintained that he did not abuse his office for personal gain.
He describes how he struggled to perform his daily duties as governor during his final months in office, saying he was a “heartbroken man.” The statement says he has re-examined his life, even his role “in the circumstances that led to this painful time for my family and Commonwealth,” and is ultimately grateful for what he called the experience of suffering.
“I have learned to be patient, to trust and wait upon the Lord,” the statement says.
McDonnell, who has described himself as a strong Catholic and who stayed at the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church during his trial, says he is looking forward to “multiple new ministry opportunities,” and he has started a small business. But he plans to remain out of elected office.
“Polls and politics no longer seem that important. People and policies are,” he said.
The one-time prosecutor in Virginia Beach and later the state’s attorney general also thanked the Supreme Court for overturning his 2014 conviction, the Department of Justice for not pressing forward with a second trial and his own legal team.
“We have the finest law enforcement officers and best justice system in the world … It usually gets it right in the end.”
Read McDonnell’s full statement below:
Today is a great day in which my family and I rejoice. More than 3 1/2 years after learning of an investigation, the final day of vindication has arrived. I have deep gratitude to the justices of the United States Supreme Court for their unanimous June reversal of the convictions. Today, I express my appreciation to the US Department of Justice for applying the correct rule of law articulated by the Supreme Court, and asking for these cases to be dismissed. I thank them for doing justice for me, my family, my friends, my Commonwealth and its servants, and for all those involved in the democratic process.
Throughout this ordeal I have strongly proclaimed my innocence. I would never do, nor consider doing, anything that would violate the trust of the citizens of Virginia I served during 22 years in state elected office. These wrongful convictions were based on a false narrative and incorrect law.
Forty-three months ago I was a heartbroken man. I struggled to daily summon the strength to perform my cherished final months of duties as Governor, being accused by my country of committing crimes of which I knew I was innocent. I have learned to be patient, to trust and wait upon the Lord, and to live each day being content with His Daily Bread.
I have become grateful for this experience of suffering, having used it to examine deeply all aspects of my life, and my role in the circumstances that led to this painful time for my beloved family and Commonwealth. I am thankful to God for teaching me new lessons about His grace, mercy, and providence.
I have begun to consider how I might repurpose my life for further service to my fellow man outside of elected office. Polls and politics no longer seem that important. People and policies are.
We have the finest law enforcement officers and best justice system in the world in the United States of America. It usually gets it right in the end.
I cannot thank deeply enough those who steadfastly supported my family and me through this long walk through the dark valley. I was blessed with a faithful and competent legal team, who advocated my cause zealously at every step, committed to prevailing. I was astonished by the remarkable bipartisan amicus brief support we received from a broad cross section of American leaders who saw the injustice. Virginians and people across the country, both friends and strangers, showered me with expressions of love and encouragement. I have learned that the words “amazing grace” and “supernatural peace” are the essence of God’s unfailing love for his people.
I know not fully what the future holds as I enter the “fourth quarter” of life. I do know it will be a wonderful adventure, beginning with 4 blessed new grandchildren, a new small business, countless new friends, and multiple new ministry opportunities.
There will be a day and time to talk further about these matters, but today is one of thanksgiving.
